Tagged "Acid"


Tabak Especial Cigars, Blowing Smokers' Minds Since 2008!

Posted by freedomcigars on

[caption id="attachment_347" align="alignleft" width="53" caption="Tabak Especial Robusto Negra at My Discount Cigars"]Tabak Especial Robusto Negra at My Discount Cigars[/caption]

Jonathan Drew and the Drew Estate team do it again! Another successful infused blend by Drew Estate that appeals to cigar lovers AND coffee drinkers all over the world.  The Tabak Especial cigar is the culmination of Drew Estate taking the art of blending coffee and cigars to new heights. The process involves slowly infusing rich tobaccos with the finest Fair Trade harvested coffees from the fertile mountains of Nicaragua into the Tabak Especial line. Drew Estate has created a smoking experience that is pure tobacco velvet upon the palate with the perfect nuance of luscious espresso coffee. The combination results in pleasing yet not overpowering flavors of coffee beans and milk chocolate mixed with savory sweetness and the most enticing aroma.

The Tabak Especial line was designed by Drew Estate as a bridge between the smokers who are used to infused cigars, such as their ACID line, and the more traditional cigars that are not infused, like their Chateau Real line. The Tabak Especial cigar comes in 2 lines, the Dulce (Natural) line and the Negra (Maduro) line. Your choice of either extra-dark Connecticut Broadleaf or natural Connecticut Shade wrappers envelop a Sumatra binder and Nicaraguan Criollo filler leaves. Before aging, the cigars are slowly infused with Nicaraguan estate-grown coffee.

The Tabak Especial comes in several sizes both in the Dulce blend as well as the Negra blend. Here are just some of the sizes available:  Belicoso (5 x 54), Cafecita (4 x 32, 10-count Tin), Corona (4 3/4 x 46), Robusto (5 x 54), Toro (6 x 52), Negra Sampler (5 various Negra cigars), and the Dulce Sampler (5 various Dulce cigars).

[caption id="attachment_346" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Tabak Especial Robusto Dulce Cigars At My Discount Cigars"]Tabak Especial Robusto Dulce Cigars At My Discount Cigars[/caption]

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor: Dulce - Mild to Medium, Negra - Medium to Full
Wrapper: Dulce - Connecticut Shade-Grown, Negra - Extra Dark Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua

The cigar smokers who miss the discontinued Drew Estate Kahlua brand, the Tabak Especial cigar is the blend that replaced them. The two blends are nearly identical in flavor. Tantalize your taste buds with a velvety sweet, perfectly balanced Tabak Especial cigar, it's the bomb, we promise. If you have a sweet tooth the Tabak Especial cigar is the cigar for you (you won't even crave dessert after smoking this treat)… it will appeal to even the most die-hard traditionalist!

The Tabak Especial blends are available here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about the Tabak Especial cigars, please visit DrewEstate.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

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Drew Estate's Tabak Especial Toro Negra Cigar Review by Tony Casas

Posted July 13, 2009
This week’s review will be that of Drew Estate - Tabak Especial line. I have made a decent sized purchase from cigar.com as of late, and couldn’t decide which one I wanted to hit first. I was VERY tempted to try the Cafe con Leche, as I have yet to try this one. But seeing how I was pre-paired with dark beers, I didn’t want to get lost in its smooth flavor.

So I decided on the Tabak Especial Toro Negra:

Drew Estate - Tabak Especial - (Image courtesey of cigar.com)Drew Estate - Tabak Especial - (Image courtesy of cigar.com)

Just like last time cigar.com was really good about shipping these ASAP. If I’m not mistaken they ship from Pennsylvania, and since I live on the western most tip of Texas, I didn’t expect these anytime soon (especially since I’m a cheapskate and shipped value). Again, I was pleasantly surprised to receive my shipment only 3 days later. Each set of 3 cigars came wrapped in cellophane, then placed in air-tight ziplock cigar bags along with humi-care gel packets. Then each bag was shipped in separate boxed filled with air-filled protectant pouches. Pretty impressive.

The Good Stuff:

Strength: Medium  -  Size: 6 x 52  -  Country: Nicaragua  -  Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro  -  Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan Sumatra / Nicaraguan Criollo

The Tabak Especial Toro Negra cigar is yet another amazingly constructed cigar by Drew Estate. It’s very rare that you get less than perfect from them. One of the first noticeable difference between this cigar and many others is the fact that it supports what is called “shaggy foot”. What a shaggy footed cigar is a cigar that’s inner filler tobacco leaves extend far further than the wrapper itself. Although it looks a bit funny it holds a purpose. By constructing a  cigar this way you enable the smoker to enjoy the tastes of both the binder/filler tobacco separate than that of the wrapper. Along with this it is believed that it gives off a much more even burn as well.

Prelight: Again, the Tabak Especial Toro by Drew Estate cigar sports a flawless construction. The wrapper is a deep, extremely dark maduro which makes even the smallest flaw stand out. The Tabak Especial’s aroma consisted of very strong coffee with hints of cedar and cocoa. Unlike most other Drew Estates this cigar carries with it a dual band. One on the neck, and one at the foot of cigar. I am assuming this has something to do with the shaggy foot technique. The Tabak Especial Toro has a very well construction rounded cap, and a very oily wrapper. There were no soft spots. Again I am trusting my Cuban Crafters Perfecto double blade cutter, and a standard single flame Colibri torch.

First Smoke: First of all the Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar was incredibly easy to light. This again, has to do with the shaggy foot. The toasting of the cigar was effortless, and resulted in a complete, perfect burn. The first scents were that of milk chocolate, lined with coffee, and of course tobacco. Unlike the Drew Estate – Rocky Patel Java, this cigar was much more mellow, and a lot sweeter. The cigar produced a very large draw right off the back , with large hefty smoke accompanying it. To my surprise the ask only held on for a little over 3/4 of an inch before releasing into my ash tray. The cigar was moist, so this was a shocker.

Halfway There: One great thing about the Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar is even halfway through and further the draw doesn’t change, and neither for the strengths and flavor. Tabak Especial is a lighter strength cigar making the smoke very easy and relaxing. The ash is still spilling off quickly, but this is not bothersome in anyway. The cigar remains intact and there is absolutely no unwrapping of any kind.

Finish: As stated in previous posts, I’m not a nub smoker. I usually give in with an inch or so still left. I don’t know if it was the amazing conversation or the fact that this Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar is so remarkable, but I took it all the way down to nothing. Literally, I burned the tips of my fingers trying to get every last drop outta this thing. This cigar is remarkable. It finishes just as easy as it begins holding its flavor all the way through. Absolutely no signs of unwrapping.

Overview: What can I say?! Drew Estate delivers again. The Tabak Especial Toro Negra is a remarkable cigar, from the burn, and construction to the draw and the flavors. I can honestly say even the most die-hard non-infused cigar smoker would be stupid not the at least give these a run.

On a side note: Recently I reviewed a Rocky Patel – Drew Estate – Java Maduro Box pressed cigar. To sum the differences up is pretty simple. Tabak Especial is a lot creamier, sweeter, and lighter than the Java line. Java boasts HUGE draws, and in your face strengths. Both come from opposites ends of the “coffee infused”  spectrum.

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Thanks for the great review and insight, Tony!

 

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A Review of Drew Estate's ACID Blends, "The Rebirth of Cigars!"

Posted by freedomcigars on

[caption id="attachment_314" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="ACID Cigars at My Discount Cigars"]ACID Cigars at My Discount Cigars[/caption]

ACID cigars are among the best cigars I have ever had the pleasure to smoke. In fact to this date, our most popular cigar we have ever sold online is the Acid Blondie and the Acid Kuba Kuba. Jonathan Drew and his partner Marvin Samel began their operation in 1998, Marvin from a warehouse office in Brooklyn and Drew in Esteli, Nicaragua.  In 1999 Drew returned to New York with a few blends but they were still missing something for their launch. That's when Scott "ACID" Chester came into the picture. Scott, an emerging artist in the DUMBO scene, was known for his industrial, urban, graffiti and motorcycle art, and he was the missing link for their grand launch.  The first cigar released was the La Vieja Habana followed by the infused cigar, Ambrosia, which gave way to Jonathan's vision of "Subculture."  In Scott Chester’s own words, “The ACID concept represents a lifestyle intended to depict a person who is not afraid to explore the Earth or explore life, whether on a motorcycle or in his thoughts and expressions.” Drew Estate wanted to create a cigar which would allow the smoker to experience the highest quality tobacco, as well as a stogie that is infused with the highest quality botanical essences, herbs and spices. After its debut at the RTDA show in Las Vegas in 1999, the cigar world has been turned upside down by Drew Estate's ACID cigars!

Hand made in Nicaragua at the Drew Estate factory, Acid cigars are unique in that the tobacco is cured in a large room called the cuarto armatico (aroma room) for several months prior to being rolled into one of several versions of cigar. That room is lined with over two hundred different herbs and oils that lend to one very unique tasting line. Acid cigars are made by hand in Nicaragua, using all natural materials only. Each of the acid cigars has a distinct flavor and bouquet, pleasing to the senses of the palate and spirit.

Drew Estate's mantra is "The Rebirth of Cigars" and it rightfully reflects how they approach all the decisions they make and everything they do. Definitely NOT your typical blends in the traditional sense. The ACID lines are a powerhouse of aromatics! Prepare to blow your senses away! Drew Estate offers 4 distinctly different lines offering quite the unique smoking experience.

ACID BLUE (Remi): This line offers sweet and mellow blends, captivating aromas for a relaxing and mild smoking experience.
ACID RED:  The Red line gives you a fare warning with their fiery bands to a very intense smoking experience. The RED line is a potent blend of ripe black tobaccos that are not for the timid. Challenge your senses and sample the RED line only if you dare.
ACID GOLD (Holistic):  The GOLD line, has a secret blend to soothe your soul and please your palate.
ACID PURPLE (Juggernaut):  The Purple line is the "dragon slayer" and will crush all in its path! It is the super star of complex aromatic hybrids and will release the most intense flavors you could fathom.

[caption id="attachment_315" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Acid Extra Ordinary Larry Cigars at My Discount Cigars"]Acid Extra Ordinary Larry Cigars at My Discount Cigars[/caption]

Just to name a few of the 25 plus blends from the ACID line:  Atom Maduro, Acid Acid Kuba Kuba, Liquid, Nasty, One, Roam, Wafe and many more not named here. The boxes smell incredible even long after all the cigars are smoked and gone!

If you consider yourself a cigar purist and just will not smoke 'flavored cigars', you do not know what you are missing. In our store in Colorado, my family and I have converted more traditional cigar smokers into Drew Estate brand devotees than any other brand we carry. There is a cult-like following for Acid cigars, and pretty much the entire Drew Estate output for that matter. We can talk all day and night about ACID cigars but the only way to grasp what they are all about is to experience them firsthand. You can thank us later.

RATED BETWEEN 80 AND 97 BY CIGAR AFICIONADO FOR MOST OF THEIR BLENDS!

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Flavor: Mild to Medium
Filler: Nicaragua

ACID Cigars are available online here at: MyDiscountCigar.com.

You can read more about the ACID cigars online at the official Drew Estate website at: DrewEstate.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars! ~

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Smoke's Up Review of the ACID Toast Cigar

Posted: May 7, 2011 by Bear in Reviews

Cigar Review: ACID Toast

Libation: Gevalia Signature blend coffee

5/7/11   10:15 hours

Sunny 60 Degrees, winds light

Smoking Location: Outdoors

Smoking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Size: 6 x 50 Toro

First Impressions: The ACID Toast cigar is the latest in the ACID line of flavor and aroma infused cigar from Drew Estate. The cigar is a 6″ by 50 ring Toro that hails from  Nicaragua. I received this specimen from CIGARfest 2011 which just took place in thee Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Look and Feel: The natural wrapper of the Acid Toast cigar is  a medium dark in color, has a slight oily sheen to it and has one pronounced vein running the length of it.

Cut and Light: To cut the cap of the cigar I used my Wolf V-Cutter and to toast the foot I used my new Colibri Reload lighter which I also picked up at CIGARfest. I am really loving this lighter and plan on talking about it more in a future accessory review. Overall the cut and light were routine and unremarkable.

First Third: The cigar has a sweetened cap which I am not usually a fan of but have come to expect in the ACID line. The smoke is mild in flavor and medium in body and exhibits a variety of flavors right from the start. Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon were most prominent. Getting toward the end of the 1st third some hints of cherries are coming through. The cigar is producing large amounts of smoke and the ash is a light gray, almost white, in color. It is a bit loose and flakey. It fell off on its own at about the 3/4″ mark narrowly missing my keyboard.

Second Third: This is where the ACID Toast cigar gets its name from. TOAST!!! Flavors of cinnamon, sugar, raisin, and toasted bread are the most prominent in the 2nd third. The sweetness of the cap helps bring these flavors together making it very enjoyable. The burn line is very sharp and even. The cigar is still producing large amounts of smoke while drawing and just sitting on the ash tray. If I were smoking indoors the room aroma would be amazing! The slight bitterness of the Gevalia Signature coffee that I am drinking compliments the sweetness of the cigar very well.

Final Third: The flavors during the final third of the Acid Toast cigar continued to be toasted bread, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The sweetness of the cap is diminishing a bit but still detectable.

Final Thoughts: Whether your a fan of “infused” cigars or not, you have to give the folks a Drew Estate credit for what they are doing. They are adding a new dimension to a timeless hobby.

Although infused cigars are not my favorites, i still do enjoy one from time to time. The ACID Toast has earned it place in my rotation along with the Tabak Especial, JAVA, and ACID Kuba Kuba.

Availability: The ACID Toast cigars are available at most B&M’s as well as online. The ACID Toast comes in boxes of 24 for around $149.00. Expect to pay $6-$7 for a single at a B&M. I encourage you to pick one up and give it a try. You might be surprised at how enjoyable it really is.

-Bear

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Huge thanks to Bear for such a great cigar review!


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Acid Cigars Take the Cigar World by Storm!

Posted by freedomcigars on

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="146" caption="Acid Cigars at My Discount Cigar"][/caption]

ACID cigars are now the 4th best selling cigar in the world!!

Acid cigars are all hand made using the world's best tobaccos utilizing over 140 botanicals, herbs and essential oils to produce their unique flavor, aroma and essence. The only way to truly grasp ACID cigars is to actually smoke  them. Rolled by Drew Estate in Connecticut, Sumatra, Maduro and African wrappers (depending on the cigar you choose), like all Drew Estate cigars, the construction and flavor are both perfect. Unlike any cigar you've ever had  before or will ever smoke again.

Some of the most popular Acid Cigars are the Acid Kuba Kuba, Acid Blondie, Acid Cold Infusion Tea, Acid Earthiness and the Acid Liquid

Read more about Acid Cigars, and other Drew Estate Cigars like Natural, Ambrosia, Tabak Especial at My Discount Cigar

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